Running Gear Shopping Guides

With all of the options available, the search for the right athletic shoe can feel overwhelming. Not only are there various brands of men's and women's shoes for every sport, there are different models of shoes designed for different types of activity. When beginning the search for your perfect running shoe, you must first evaluate your stride mechanics and arch type - both of these factors play a major role in how the foot reacts to running. Foot shape, intensity of activity, and surface can also affect the body's reaction upon landing. The guide will assist you in evaluating your personal running style and will provide tips for choosing the optimal shoe based upon your preferences and goals.Read Full Article

For beginning runners and long-time athletes alike, it's extremely important to find the right running shoe. The right shoe will prevent injury and allow the runner to have as comfortable of a workout as possible. Recently, minimalist running shoes have become more popular, and the comparison between these and more traditional running sneakers has been a topic of ongoing debate. Although studies are being done to compare injury rates and the effects of each type of shoe on the general biomechanics of running, neither shoe has been proven superior than the other. Coupled with the fact that almost all shoe manufacturers now offer different varieties of men's and women's minimalist running shoes, making a choice can feel even more complicated. Thinking about trying a pair of minimalist sneakers? Learning the features of this type of shoe can aid in the decision-making process.Read Full Article

Even though temperatures are dropping, you don't have give up on exercising outdoors and head to the gym until spring. As long as you wear appropriate gear, you can skip the treadmill and continue running comfortably outdoors all throughout the winter. Specific men's and women's running jackets are designed for use in lower temperatures and have a variety of specific features to ensure you stay comfortable in the cold no matter how long you're outside running.Read Full Article

Heart rate monitors provide valuable data that can help improve performance and maximize the benefits of training. By tracking your heart rate, you can gauge your training and search for cues from your body that point to the effectiveness of a particular exercise program. Before purchasing a heart rate monitor, it's important to understand the science behind heart rate and blood flow. This will help in understanding what the different measurements mean.Read Full Article

In sport, compression apparel is clothing designed to stabilize muscles for more effective performance, and to delay the build up of lactic acid in the muscles to aid in recovery. While originally designed to treat those with vascular problems (mainly in those who are bedridden or otherwise immobile) and disorders that involve swelling, healthy athletes also use compression gear because the specific, powerful fabrics are said to aid in recovery or performance.Read Full Article

For those of you who like to take your runs off the pavement to somewhere a little more rugged, you may want to consider purchasing a pair of trail running shoes. These shoes will keep you safe and comfortable on unstable terrain. While thereís a wide spectrum and various features on different models of trail running shoes, there are two main features that differentiate them from a typical sneaker.Read Full Article

If youíre a triathlete, you might think the run is one leg you donít really have to think about. You throw on your shoes and go, right? Not so fast. When transitioning from the bike to the run, the main goal is to put on your shoes and get out to the last part of the course as quickly as possible. Finding a quality pair of triathlon-specific running shoes can make a huge difference when it comes to speed and overall comfort.Read Full Article